Page 6 of Where Darkness Falls

Cara’s cheeks redden.

“Indeed they are,” I add kindly.

Ms. Ellis plasters a forced smile as she nods her head in my direction. Then, she continues speaking with Cara about the new arrangements, as if I’m not there at all. I am used to this reaction from the village folk by now, as my tone tends to sound clipped or snippy. For that reason, they usually prefer socializing with Cara instead of me.

Even the grumpiest of moods are eradicated after speaking with my sister. It also helps that she can read emotions and intentions, which guides her in steering conversations—keeping customers engaged while they are looking around our shop. I have always felt like I was living in her shadow in many ways. Try as I might to ignore it, I have always known what I am—an orphan—even if Cara has done her best to help me feel needed and valued.

However, the villagers don’t view me with the same rose-colored glasses. As they’ve seen me for what I truly am:

An outsider that doesn’t belong anywhere.

My fingers continueto tap on the ledgers in front of me, as if that would help my concentration.

It doesn’t.

Cara’s earlier statement before Ms. Ellis’ visit continues to repeat as if on a loop in my head:

“It is an exciting occasion. I want to coordinate something extra special for you.”

It’s my twenty-fifth year.

It is meant to be an auspicious occasion, yet I’m overwhelmed by the prospect of this birthday. When a Malvorian reaches twenty-five, they are considered full grown and will no longer show signs of aging. Along with it, a Malvorian will also fully embrace their ability or abilities that are gifted to each individual by Siorai, the god that rulesover the realm of Celestae. However, I am one of the less fortunate ones who never received any such gift.

A Null.

That’s the term the villagers whisper amongst themselves about me and others like myself. We are seen as an omen… a warning as to what happens to those who displease Siorai.

While most Malvorians see flickers of their abilities around their eleventh year, I have yet to see even a trickle of any such power. I have cried, begged, and pleaded to Siorai for years to grant me even the simplest of abilities. Yet, I have only ever been met with silence.

Perhaps the god despises orphans like me.

“So,” Cara interjects. “Do you have any suggestions for your birthday?”

“I don’t really have a preference, Cara. I am sure I will enjoy whatever you plan to do,” I say nonchalantly.

Cara frowns.

“Mae, I promise this birthday will be different,” she says softly.

I scoff.

She has never wavered in her faith that Siorai will grant me an ability one day, even though my hope dwindles with each passing year.

“You say that every year, yet nothing changes. Besides, I’m quite fond of the peace and quiet being a Null affords me,” I sigh.

Liar.

“Surely you don’t mean that,” Cara gasps.

I don’t, but what other options do I have when no one wishes to associate with me?I think.

I square my shoulders.

“I do indeed. The extra time allows me to read without having to worry about being invited to frivolous festivities,” I smirk, hoping she will change the topic.

“Are you not interested in kinships outside of our family, Mae?” Cara inquires.

The term,family,causes my heart to tighten with a deep longing. It aches for my biological family that I don’t remember, desiring answers as to what occurred ten years ago. While I love the Cales for taking me in, it doesn’t stop my thoughts from roaming. I’m curious to know why they never came to look for me all those years ago. Surely, if they had noticed I was missing, they would have looked for me… Yet, it’s been ten years, and no one ever came.

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